Recent survey highlights support for Mountain Valley

A recent survey conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research has shown that a strong majority of Virginians support the proposed Mountain Valley pipeline (MVP) project. The statewide survey of voters’ views on important policy issues and candidates for public office was conducted between 5 and 10 January 2017.

Among all respondents, 62% said that they support the MVP. Respondents in the Roanoke and southwest Virginia region showed the strongest support for the project, with 74% of respondents in the Roanoke area supporting the MVP.

The project has earnt a broad support base from private citizens, business groups and elected officials, including the governors of Virginia and West Virginia.

“These survey results reflect the importance of this project to the state and region,” said Shawn Posey, Senior Vice President of MVP Construction and Engineering. “The transportation capacity for MVP is already fully subscribed, which reflects the market’s recognition of the need for low-cost, reliable natural gas.”

“These findings are reassuring that the vast majority of Virginians recognise that natural gas is clean, affordable and abundant here in the US, and we need infrastructure like the MVP to promote energy independence, create jobs and generate tax revenue,” said Chris Saxman, Executive Director of Virginia FREE.

“Demand for natural gas continues to grow and the MVP is an infrastructure project that is essential to meeting the needs of residents and employers across the Roanoke Valley,” said John D’Orazio, President and CEO of Roanoke Gas Co. “Pipelines are the safest way to move natural gas and our plan to install taps on the MVP line in Montgomery and Franklin counties will bring lasting, positive economic benefits to our community.”

“The MVP is important for our future and these survey results indicate that most people agree,” said Joyce Waugh, President and CEO of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Waugh added: “The MVP project’s construction will provide an immediate economic boost by creating thousands of jobs. In the longer term, the increased access to affordable, clean natural gas will help to position our region to recruit and retain employers.”

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is currently reviewing the MVP application. In September 2016, FERC issued the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the project and the commission is currently working to develop the Final Environmental Impact Statement.